Benchmark Restaurant
339A 2nd Street
(Between 4th & 5th Aves)
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 965-7040
www.benchmarkrestaurant.com

Park Slope, a popular dining destination and architecturally gorgeous neighborhood of Brooklyn, now has another reason to be desired as a choice neighborhood of residence. Benchmark Restaurant opened its doors in February 2010 near 5th Avenue in the heart of Park Slope.

Serving up New American cuisine, executive chef Ryan Jaronik (above) uses meat from pasture-raised animals and locally-grown produce, as well as culinary skill, to turn out only the best dishes. Favored starters include Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Wings with hot celery giadiniero and blue cheese fondue, and a Trio of Beef Short Ribs-corned, braised, and broiled-are served with truffled sauerkraut, parsley root, and squash kimchee. An entrée of Seared Duck Breast in a foie gras emulsion is sided with sweet potato and leg confit hash. With an entrée menu made up of mostly meat, the Shrimp Crusted Atlantic Halibut, with Shiso Yuzu broth, tomato confit, and cranberry beans, gives the other meat dishes a run for their money.

Currently, a room is being constructed to produce in-house dry-aged meat and cured sausages. These dry-aged meats will find a place on their steak and chops a la carte menu. A 17oz dry-aged and corn-finished Bone-In New York Strip and 11oz Filet Mignon, grass-finished and wet-aged already make up this hard-to-decide-between menu. All the meat is pasture-raised and can be sauced with a choice of either au poivre, forester, chimichurri, or bordelaise. I told you it was going to be a tough decision.

A warm and inviting rustic atmosphere is given from the exposed brick walls, banquette seating, pendant lighting, and arched windows. Thanks Benchmark Restaurant, you have given Park Slope something else to boast about.